An employer must give at least 1 week's notice to an employee with 1 month to 2 years' service, 1 week for each full year from 2 to 12 years, and 12 weeks after 12 years or more. An employee with at least 1 month's service must give at least 1 week. If the contract gives longer notice, the longer period applies. Notice usually starts the day after it is given.
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Notice period
How it works
1. Work out continuous service on the day notice is given, in full years and months.
2. Statutory minimum. From the employer: 1 week if service is 1 month to under 2 years; 1 week per full year from 2 to under 12 years; 12 weeks at 12 years or more. From the employee: 1 week once they have 1 month's service.
3. Compare with the contract. Whichever is longer applies; a contract cannot give less than the statutory minimum.
4. Count from the day after notice is given. Notice given in person on a Tuesday starts on the Wednesday.
Worked example. An employee started on 15 June 2019 and is told in person on Tuesday 3 November 2026 that they are being made redundant. They have 7 full years' service (7 years 4 months), so statutory notice is 7 weeks. Their contract says 4 weeks, so the statutory 7 weeks applies. Notice starts on 4 November and ends on Tuesday 22 December 2026.
Notice as part of a redundancy? The UK Redundancy Pay Calculator (£12.99, Excel and Google Sheets) works out statutory or contractual notice, worked or paid in lieu, alongside redundancy pay and untaken holiday for each person. For leavers' holiday pay see the UK Holiday Pay Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the statutory minimum notice period in the UK?
From the employer: 1 week after 1 month's service, 1 week per full year from 2 years, up to a maximum of 12 weeks after 12 years. From the employee: 1 week after 1 month's service. This is set by section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
How much notice for 4 years and 9 months' service?
4 weeks. Only full years count, so 4 years and 9 months gives 4 weeks, as in Acas's own example.
Which applies: contract notice or statutory notice?
Whichever is longer. A contract can give more than the statutory minimum but not less.
When does a notice period start?
If the contract does not say, Acas says it starts the day after the employee resigns or is told in person. If notice is given only in writing, it starts once the employee has had a reasonable time to read it, for example the day after a registered letter arrives.
How much notice must an employee give when resigning?
At least 1 week after 1 month's service, unless the contract or written statement says more. With less than 1 month's service and nothing in writing, no notice is needed.
Can notice be paid instead of worked?
Yes, through payment in lieu of notice (PILON) if the contract allows it or the employee agrees. The employee must get full pay for the notice period. Garden leave is another option, with normal pay.
Is there notice for gross misconduct?
No. Acas says an employee dismissed for gross misconduct is not entitled to statutory notice or payment for it. Employers should still follow a fair procedure.
More free tools
Sources
- Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 – legislation.gov.uk
- Notice when being dismissed or made redundant – Acas
- Notice when resigning – Acas
- When the notice period starts – Acas
- When an employee is not required to work their notice – Acas
- Redundancy notice periods – GOV.UK
Last checked: November 2026. Statutory notice for employees in England, Scotland and Wales. Workers who are not employees, and Northern Ireland, may have different rules. This tool gives general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures are estimates based on what you enter and the rules in the sources above; rules change, so check the sources or take professional advice before relying on a result. Made by PHK MEDIA LTD.